8 Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN during Pregnancy
If you’ve been pregnant before, then you’ll probably have a better grasp on things. However, pay attention to the following list of questions that pregnant moms usually ask their doctors.
Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.
–Catherine Jones–
Doubts during gestation: Questions for your OB-GYN
1. What over-the-counter medications are okay to take?
It’s very likely that, at some point during your pregnancy, you’ll require some over-the-counter medication. Symptoms like headache, indigestion, nausea, constipation and muscle pain are quite common.
But before taking anything to relieve your symptoms, you should check with your OB-GYN to be sure the ingredients are safe for you and your baby.
2. Is it normal to have cramping and spotting?
During your first trimester, cramping and spotting is nothing out of the ordinary. This may occur when the fertilized ovule implants and starts to grow inside the uterus.
However, it’s important you contact your doctor to rule out any anomaly – especially if bleeding persists. This can be an indication of a vaginal or uterine infection that should be treated right away.
3. How much weight will I gain during pregnancy?
Based on a study of your body mass before pregnancy, your doctor will calculate the normal range. Your doctor will take into account your weight and height to come up with this figure, and verify it each trimester.
There is no universal standard for all women. The weight you should gain during pregnancy will depend on your personal physical condition.
4. Can I exercise while I’m pregnant?
Exercise improves your physical well-being, as well as your baby’s. It also helps avoid all sorts of discomfort, from water retention to anxiety.
In the case of a typical pregnancy, your doctor will recommend activities like swimming, walking or prenatal yoga.
To avoid any risk, your OB-GYN will give you detailed indications. You should be careful not to go overboard with the intensity or duration of your workout.
5. What vaccines do I need?
To keep your immune system from failing, you need to get certain vaccines. There are specific points during gestation when each of these vaccinations should be applied.
It’s important you respect this timeline. Remember that your body is more vulnerable to illness during pregnancy and you need to take precautions for you and your baby.
6. Will my reproductive system change permanently after giving birth?
Your pelvic muscles are designed to house your baby and, in general, will go back to their normal position and size. Your muscle memory will help your body go back to the way it was before pregnancy.
It’s a good idea to do kegel exercises to help strengthen these muscles.
7. Will I have issues controlling my bladder after I have my baby?
According to doctor Suzanne Gilberg, bladder control tends to lessen during pregnancy and after giving birth. This is especially true as you get closer to your due date. You may even have a few accidents.
Everything will go back to normal within about three months of your baby’s birth. To reduce your symptoms, kegel exercises will once again be of great assistance.
To resolve any issues, talk to your OB-GYN about any doubts you may have.
8. Is it normal to urinate often during pregnancy?
The answer is yes. Your hormones become altered during gestation due to all of the changes your body is undergoing. Blood flow to your pelvis also increases.
You’ll probably feel the urge to pee quite often during the next 9 months. However, if you feel pain, itching, or burning when you urinate, see your doctor immediately. The same is true if you notice that your urine has a strange color or smell.
It’s vital that you have a good relationship with the medical professional who will accompany you during this stage.
The questions listed in today’s article are simply to orient you. However, you’ll surely come up with other doubts that also require a response.
Be sure to discuss them with your OB-GYN, and take every precaution necessary to have a safe and relaxed pregnancy.